By Mari Sato
The count down to Halloween is on and the yearly struggle to find the perfect costume has once again become a reality. Finding a costume is especially daunting at SMU, where students typically have 2-4 outfits, making the hunt for a last minute costume an anguishing process. Have no fear, as curating a capsule wardrobe for Halloween can solve this annual dilemma while also keeping sustainability in mind. Consider how often we buy cheap pieces on Amazon a couple days before Halloween, knowing they will never be worn again. Instead of making hasty purchases, investing in a handful of key pieces and utilizing the basics that already live in your closet can make a wide variety of costumes, while saving money and being environmentally conscious. So, get ready to celebrate Halloween in style, no matter how many costume changes you need this season.
- Black Corset
Odds are you already have one in your closet, and if you don’t, now is the time to finally purchase this must-have. A black corset is a going-out staple, and it can be helpful in a variety of outfits. This specific corset from Rosamosario is destined to make you feel confident and add a mysterious and feminine allure to any costume.
Outfit details from left to right.
Catwoman: BALENCIAGA, Mowalola, Steve Madden, Amazon Pirate: Schutz, Love Shack Fancy, Acne Studios, Chan Luu, Amazon Black Swan: Comme de garçon, Jimmy choo, Amazon
- Blue Dress
A classic blue dress will take you far this Halloween, and Skims has just that. Effortlessly embrace the look of iconic characters such as Dorthy, Violet Beauregarde, or even Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. This dress is an essential year-round, especially at SMU, where blue dresses are necessary for a day on The Boulevard.
Outfit details from left to right.
Dorthy: Staud, Princess Polly, Maisonette, Larroude, Urban Outfitters Violet Beauregarde: Adidas, Stuart Weitzman, Fiorucci, Dior Sleeping Beauty: Chanel, Badgley Mischka, Cornelia James, Amazon
- Denim Mini Skirt
If you’ve been into the 90s and Y2K trends, a denim mini skirt is perfect for all the best pop culture moments of that era. Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie’s The Simple Life is one of my favorites and would be so fun for a duo costume. But that’s not all; your denim mini skirt can be used for Jennifer’s Body, White Chicks, or for a group, the Bratz Dolls.
Outfit details from left to right.
White Chicks: Musina, TeePublic, Pnina Tornai, I.AM.GIA. Jennifer’s Body: Jacquemus, Gucci, Réalisation, Schutz, Manc Official, David Yurman, Gorjana. Paris Hilton: Cadolle, Juicy Couture, Amazon, Naturalizer, Amanda Uprichard, Etsy.
- White Button Down
Another closet staple turned Halloween necessity is the white button-down. Whether you need many costumes or not, this is an essential piece to invest in. A white button-down can be used for anything from Risky Business to Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In addition to various looks, a button-down will keep you comfortable throughout the night, that is, as long as it doesn’t get stained.
Outfit details from left to right.
Patrick Bateman: Amazon, Zara, FRAME, Alo, Amazon. Mia Wallace: Vivienne Westwood, Badgley Mischka, Alo, La Perla, YSL. Holly Golightly: Jacquemus, RAYE, Amazon
All photos by Mari Sato